🚆 20-Baht Flat Train Fare Set to Launch September 30 for Thai Citizens
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has confirmed that the long-awaited 20-baht flat fare for all electric train lines in Thailand will be implemented on September 30, 2025. The fare cap applies regardless of the number of train lines used per trip — but only for Thai citizens who register via the Tang Rat application.
🔑 Key Details:
- Registration begins in August through the Tang Rat app.
- Passengers must link an EMV contactless card (Mastercard, Visa, or Europay) or transit cards like Rabbit or MRT Plus.
- The app will track routes and cap the fare at 20 baht, while ensuring fair compensation to train operators.
- The system does not yet allow universal card use across all lines due to operator-specific platforms.
💰 Funding & Implementation:
- An 8-billion-baht annual subsidy will support the system, sourced from:
- MRTA’s 16-billion-baht profit reserves
- The national budget
- Legal changes and contract renegotiations with private line operators (Blue, Yellow, Pink) are underway to enable policy compliance.
📱 What’s Next:
- QR code payment via smartphones expected by end of 2026.
- In two years, the government plans to buy back concessions from private operators to unify the system further.
⚠️ Important Note:
This scheme is only available to Thai citizens. Foreign tourists and welfare cardholders must continue paying standard fares.
